Munchausen by proxy syndrome: the triad of abuse, self-abuse, and deception

Abstract

The Munchausen By Proxy Syndrome (MbPS) is a complicated phenomenon whereby a peculiar threefold relationship between perpetrator, victim, and medical staff develops. This triad is based on abuse of the child, deception of the doctor, and, in many cases, self-abuse or passivity of the victim towards the perpetrator's deeds. We have analyzed the interrelationship between the perpetrator, the victim, and the medical authority, in light of the mother's pathology.